Radiological Sciences & Protection

Bachelor's-Master's Program

In recognition of the need for advanced training beyond the bachelor of science level in radiological sciences, the following represents a program by which outstanding undergraduates can pursue an accelerated course of study leading to the B.S. and M.S. degrees in Radiological Sciences and Protection.

1. Undergraduate students who express an interest in this program will be evaluated by the graduate selection committee. Those students deemed commendable by the committee will be advised relative to the correct procedure for successful completion of their B.S. degree as well as a course of study toward the M.S. degree.

2. The first three years of undergraduate study is identical to that specified for students enrolled in the current four year B.S. program.

3. During the second semester of the junior year and upon approval and recommendation by the graduate selection committee, the student will file formal application to the Graduate School. This does not require the student to have taken the Graduate Record Examination. The committee decision will be based on (a) overall grade-point average, (b) grade-point average in selected subjects, (c) recommendations by program faculty, and (d) a one year minimum enrollment requirement at the University of Massachusetts Lowell. Upon approval, the student may be conditionally accepted to the Master's on Physics, Radiological Health Physics option pending successful completion of the bachelor's degree with a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA.

4. During the senior year, the student is permitted to take up to six graduate-level courses (two three-credit courses) which can be double-counted towards the M.S. degree, provided the courses have an earned grade of B or better.

5. Upon completion of the fourth year of bachelors study, assuming that all program and University requirements have been met, and the student has filed for graduation with the baccalaureate degree, the student will be awarded the B.S. degree and then may be recommended for full matriculation status by the graduate selection committee prior to the the full matriculation status by the graduate selection committee prior to the full matriculation into the Master's program. For University policy regarding to the BS?MS degree, please see

6. Although the options exist for taking an overload in any semester and/or registering for one or more summer sessions, they are not a requirement of this program. However, students wishing to gain a full research experience will be encouraged to initiate their research as early as possible (e.g., during the junior to senior year summer session), which is a distinct advantage of this accelerated program.

7. During the fifth year, as in the standard M.S. degree program, the student may choose the thesis option (9 semester hours of graduate research) or the project option (3 semester hours of graduate project). In either case, the student is required to take two one-credit graduate seminar courses and other courses required for the M.S. degree in radiological sciences that satisfy the 30 credit minimum M.S. degree requirement. Upon completion of all program and graduate school requirements, the student will be awarded the M.S. degree in Radiological Sciences and Protection.